Saturday 25th July 2026, Kick-off 15.00
Eastern Counties League Division One North
The Grange, Peterborough
Admission: £7.00
Programme: £2.00
Attendance: 145
A match report can be read by clicking here, also copied and pasted below
Video highlights can be viewed by clicking here
The perfect start
Netherton United Mark Historic Step 6 Debut with Victory Over Halesworth Town
Netherton United 2-0 Halesworth Town
Thurlow Nunn League Division One North
Netherton United made a winning start to life at Step 6 football on Saturday as they secured a deserved 2-0 victory over established Thurlow Nunn League side Halesworth Town in a historic occasion for the club.
Playing their first-ever fixture at this level, Netherton showed little sign of nerves and were quickly into their stride, enjoying the majority of possession and setting the early tempo. Backed by a strong home crowd, the hosts settled well and asked questions of the Halesworth defence from the outset, forcing the visiting goalkeeper into several saves during an encouraging opening spell.
Their positive start was rewarded after 18 minutes when the deadlock was broken through a well-worked move. A long pass forward found young forward Freddie Hooke, who brought the ball under control before laying it into the path of Adulai Balde. Balde took full advantage, producing a composed finish from the edge of the penalty area to give Netherton a deserved lead.
Halesworth looked to respond and were handed a chance to level the scores on 38 minutes when they were awarded a penalty. Netherton goalkeeper Toby Hart guessed correctly and moved the right way, but the effort drifted wide of the target, allowing the home side to preserve their advantage.
As half-time approached, Netherton continued to threaten. Hooke came close to extending the lead with a free-kick from the edge of the box, only for a brave defensive block from the Halesworth wall to deny him.
The hosts went into the break 1-0 ahead and continued to control long periods of possession after the restart despite playing into the wind.
Their second goal arrived around the hour mark and once again involved Hooke. After seeing an initial effort rebound back into his path, the forward reacted sharply and showed composure to lift a delicate finish over the advancing goalkeeper and double Netherton’s advantage.
The game became more open during the closing stages as Halesworth searched for a route back into the contest, but Netherton remained organised and confident. Hart was called upon to make a number of interventions late on, while the defence stood firm to ensure the visitors were unable to reduce the arrears.
For a side stepping into a higher level of football, this was an encouraging and controlled performance. Netherton matched their established opponents throughout, enjoyed long spells of possession and created the clearer chances on the day.
A first victory at Step 6 level represents a memorable milestone for the club and provides an excellent platform on which to build as their inaugural Thurlow Nunn League campaign gets underway.
No comments:
Post a Comment